steelreserve
11-14-2016, 11:46 AM
Yes, we lost a game. I realize it's only one game, that tried and tested mantra of the folks who will shut you down as a spoiled Steelers fan the moment you express concern. I'm not upset that we lost one game, although it sucks. Losses happen. Sometimes even 4 losses in a row happen, although not usually if you are solid all around as a team.
I'm upset that we keep having the same problems over and over. Not over the course of a few games, but over the course of years. There is a distinct difference between the "omg sky is falling - cat picture!", the "come on, it was ONE game" kind of complaining, and a long-term trend. For example -
Nearsighted focus: "Fuck! The defense blew another lead!"
Long-term problem: We lack any kind of killer instinct; I don't think we even know what a killer instinct IS, and haven't since about 2010.
Nearsighted focus: "Fuck! Another bad game against a sub-.500 team!"
Long-term problem: For 5+ years, despite being talented, we've been all over the place and never know which team is going to show up, against a good opponent or a bad one. You cannot be an effective contender that way.
Nearsighted focus: "Fuck! We were THIS close to making the playoffs/advancing in the playoffs, if only a couple random things hadn't gone against us! We have a good team, people should stop complaining!"
Long-term problem: Same as above.
Nearsighted focus: "Fuck! Nice game plan, (Butler, Haley, Tomlin, circle one)! Fire (Butler, Haley, Tomlin, circle one)!"
Long-term problem: Not having (anyone who can generate pressure, any receivers other than Brown who can get open, circle one).
Nearsighted focus: "Fuck! We have no (pass rush, coverage, receiving depth, circle one)! If only ____ wasn't injured!"
Long-term problem: Being in a position where an injury to a single unproven player could even possibly ruin your whole game, and even then, not knowing whether he would've helped.
Nearsighted focus: "Fuck! Our defense is young and inexperienced!"
Long-term problem: For 5+ years, taking the bait on defenders with the tagline of "AMAZING raw talent! The best we've seen in years! Needs refinement to be an effective pro!"
Nearsighted focus: "Fuck! Stupid risk-taking at bad times, and terrible clock management again!"
Long-term problem: Stupid risk-taking at bad times, and terrible clock management again.
So ... yeah. While this team retains the potential to make the playoffs or do as well as it wants - this season and probably any other season for a few years in either direction - I have no expectations. Maybe they will, maybe they won't. They're just floating.
Yes, it's good that they haven't collapsed into a 4-12 shitshow like certain other teams, but they certainly don't look like they're on a focused march toward a Super Bowl title either. You don't win championships by being pretty good and sitting around hoping you win one. But I don't see this franchise doing a hell of a lot more than that. Maybe I'm wrong and they'll rattle off 10 wins in a row next. I wouldn't bet on it, though. Very frustrating.
I'm upset that we keep having the same problems over and over. Not over the course of a few games, but over the course of years. There is a distinct difference between the "omg sky is falling - cat picture!", the "come on, it was ONE game" kind of complaining, and a long-term trend. For example -
Nearsighted focus: "Fuck! The defense blew another lead!"
Long-term problem: We lack any kind of killer instinct; I don't think we even know what a killer instinct IS, and haven't since about 2010.
Nearsighted focus: "Fuck! Another bad game against a sub-.500 team!"
Long-term problem: For 5+ years, despite being talented, we've been all over the place and never know which team is going to show up, against a good opponent or a bad one. You cannot be an effective contender that way.
Nearsighted focus: "Fuck! We were THIS close to making the playoffs/advancing in the playoffs, if only a couple random things hadn't gone against us! We have a good team, people should stop complaining!"
Long-term problem: Same as above.
Nearsighted focus: "Fuck! Nice game plan, (Butler, Haley, Tomlin, circle one)! Fire (Butler, Haley, Tomlin, circle one)!"
Long-term problem: Not having (anyone who can generate pressure, any receivers other than Brown who can get open, circle one).
Nearsighted focus: "Fuck! We have no (pass rush, coverage, receiving depth, circle one)! If only ____ wasn't injured!"
Long-term problem: Being in a position where an injury to a single unproven player could even possibly ruin your whole game, and even then, not knowing whether he would've helped.
Nearsighted focus: "Fuck! Our defense is young and inexperienced!"
Long-term problem: For 5+ years, taking the bait on defenders with the tagline of "AMAZING raw talent! The best we've seen in years! Needs refinement to be an effective pro!"
Nearsighted focus: "Fuck! Stupid risk-taking at bad times, and terrible clock management again!"
Long-term problem: Stupid risk-taking at bad times, and terrible clock management again.
So ... yeah. While this team retains the potential to make the playoffs or do as well as it wants - this season and probably any other season for a few years in either direction - I have no expectations. Maybe they will, maybe they won't. They're just floating.
Yes, it's good that they haven't collapsed into a 4-12 shitshow like certain other teams, but they certainly don't look like they're on a focused march toward a Super Bowl title either. You don't win championships by being pretty good and sitting around hoping you win one. But I don't see this franchise doing a hell of a lot more than that. Maybe I'm wrong and they'll rattle off 10 wins in a row next. I wouldn't bet on it, though. Very frustrating.